SMUGGLED CIGARETTES WORTH P3.7-M SEIZED IN DAVAO OCCIDENTAL
A Joint Inter-Agency Maritime Patrol Operation led by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) confiscated a motorized banca carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes in the coastal waters of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, on May 18, 2026.
During the operation, the operating forces monitored a motorized banca identified as M/B BAHITRAH exhibiting suspicious movements and allegedly attempting to evade government operatives. The vessel was subsequently flagged down and intercepted by the operating units.
Upon inspection, law enforcement personnel discovered 228 boxes of undocumented GAJAH BARU-brand cigarettes with an estimated market value of P 3,722,800.00.
Three individuals aboard the vessel were apprehended and identified as Edwin Y. Yabes, 57 years old; Adubert Ellio, 39 years old; and Roger Tanjing, 47 years old, all residents of General Santos City.
The apprehended individuals, along with the confiscated evidence and the seized motorized banca, were escorted to Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao in Panacan, Davao City.
The confiscated cigarettes including the vessel are placed under the custody of the Bureau of Customs, while the arrested persons are temporarily detained at Police Station 4 Sasa DCPO pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) together with Sarangani Maritime Police Station (MPS), Regional Intelligence Division 11 (RID 11), DCPO, PS3 Sasa DCPO, CIDG-RFU 11, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) inspect and account the smuggled cigarettes.
Motorized banca M/B BAHITRAH aboard at CAPT FERANIL Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.